Bale storage system with damper assembly

ABSTRACT

A bale collection system and method for receiving and storing a bale introduced at a first location and in a first direction, the bale defining an axis therethrough. The bale collection system includes a frame defining at least one storage bay sized to store a bale therein. The bale collection system also includes an arm pivotably coupled to the frame and movable with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position, the arm having a bale contact surface configured to contact a bale at least partially received within the storage bay, and a resistance member in operable engagement with the arm and configured to resist the motion of the arm between the first and second positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/320,251, filed Apr. 8, 2016, the content of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to bale storage systems and methods, andmore specifically to bale storage systems and methods in which a damperassembly is configured to dissipate the kinetic energy of a bale.

During the baling process, large cylindrical bales are rolled orotherwise placed onto various storage devices, such as accumulators,trailers, and the like. During this process, the bale's rolling motiongenerates a large amount of kinetic (e.g., rotational and translational)energy that must be contained in order to properly position the balewithin the storage device. When attempting to contain the bale's energy,large impact forces are generated by the bale when it comes into contactwith fixed-fences and other stops, which often results in large recoiloscillations (i.e., bouncing off the fence or rocking back and forth inthe storage device) or damage to the device itself from excess stressbeing placed on the mechanism.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bale collection system forreceiving and storing a bale introduced at a first location and in afirst direction, the bale defining an axis therethrough, and the balecollection system including a frame defining at least one storage baysized to store a bale therein. The bale collection system also includesan arm movable between a first position and a second position, the armhaving a bale contact surface configured to contact a bale at leastpartially received within the storage bay, and a resistance member inoperable engagement with the arm and configured to resist motion of thearm between the first and second positions.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bale collection system forreceiving and storing a bale, the collection system including aplurality of rail members defining a trough having a central axistherethrough, the central axis parallel to each rail member of theplurality of rail members. The bale collection system also includes adamping system coupled to at least one of the rail members andconfigured to engage a bale at least partially received into the trough,the damping system having an arm movable with respect to the trough in adirection perpendicular to the central axis between a first position anda second position, and a resistance member coupled to the arm andconfigured to resist movement of the arm between the first position andthe second position.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides an accumulator configuredfor coupling to a baler, the accumulator including a frame defining astorage bay sized to receive at least a portion of a bale from thebaler, and a damping system. Where the damping system includes a membercoupled to and movable with respect to the frame, the member presentinga bale contact surface, where the member is configured to move withrespect to the frame upon the introduction of at least a portion of abale into the storage bay, and a damping assembly operatively positionedbetween the member and the frame, the damping assembly configured toresist the movement of the member with respect to the frame.

In yet another aspect, a bale collection system for receiving andstoring a bale, the bale collection system including a baler having arear aperture through which a completed bale is ejected, a crop packagebarrier coupled to the baler proximate the rear aperture and movablewith respect to the crop package barrier between an open position and aclosed position, and a dampening system coupled to the door. Where thedampening system includes a member coupled to and movable with respectto the crop package barrier, the member presenting a bale contactsurface, and where the member is configured to move with respect to thecrop package barrier upon the ejection of a bale from the rear aperture,and a resistance member operatively coupled to the member and configuredto resist the movement of the member with respect to the crop packagebarrier.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a bale collection system, with abaler rear door in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bale collection system of FIG. 1, with thebaler rear door in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an accumulator of a bale collectionsystem.

FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a damper assembly of anaccumulator, with an arm of the damper assembly in a first position.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the accumulator of FIG. 4, with the arm of thedamper assembly in the first position.

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the damper assembly of theaccumulator of FIG. 4, with the arm of the damper assembly in a secondposition.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the accumulator of FIG. 6, with the arm of thedamper assembly in the second position.

FIGS. 8a-8d are schematic views of a bale being loaded into anaccumulator.

FIG. 9 is an alternative implementation of a bale collector system.

FIGS. 10a-10b illustrate another alternative implementation of a balecollector system.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the bale collector system of FIGS. 10aand 10 b.

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of the damper assembly of theaccumulator of FIG. 4 with hard stops installed thereon.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the accumulator with the damper assemblyin a step position.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the accumulator of FIG. 1 with theaccumulator in a pass-through orientation.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of another implementation of the damperassembly.

FIGS. 16a-16c are schematic top views of other implementations of theaccumulator of the bale system.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another implementation of the damperassembly.

FIGS. 18a-18b illustrate side views of another implementation of theaccumulator of the bale system.

FIG. 18c illustrates a side view of another implementation of theaccumulator of the bale system.

FIGS. 19a-19b are schematic top views of another implementation of theaccumulator of the bale system.

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of another implementation of theaccumulator of the bale system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of the formation and arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other implementationsand of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

The disclosure relates to bale collection systems and methods, and moreparticularly to bale collection systems and methods in which provisionis made to damp the motion of each bale as it is loaded into andpositioned within the system. In particular, a damping mechanism is usedto dissipate the kinetic energy of the bale (e.g., brought about by therotation and translational movement of the bale) as it rolls into placein the system so that it can be subsequently processed by the system. Bydissipating the energy of the bale, the bale can be loaded into positionquickly, allowing the system to maintain a high level of efficiency,while also minimizing the chances for and amount of damage occurring tothe system itself or the bale. Unlike a hard barrier, in which the usermust decide between fast bale loading in which recoil oscillations anddamage to the device become increasingly hazardous problems, or slowbale loading in which the user must sacrifice efficiency to minimizerecoil and damage, the bale collection system of the present disclosurepermits both fast loading speeds, little to no recoil oscillations, andminimal wear and tear on the storage device, the bale, and the bale wrapmaterial.

Referring to FIG. 1, a bale collection system or accumulator 22 ismounted on a baler 18. The baler 18 is configured to collect cropmaterial 34 from the ground's surface 38 (i.e., the field), process thecrop material 34 into individual bales 26, then eject the completed bale26 from the baler 18 for subsequent processing by the accumulator 22. Inthe illustrated implementation, the baler 18 includes a body 42, a setof wheels 46 mounted on the body 42, and a rear door or crop packagebarrier 50 pivotably coupled to the body 42 proximate a rear aperture54. During use, the baler 18 is configured to produce generallycylindrical crop packages, e.g., round bales, from an agriculturalfield. The baler 18 may produce crop packages from hay, corn stalks, andthe like. In some implementations, the baler 18 may also include aloading assembly or transfer system to help convey the bale 26 betweenthe rear aperture 54 and the accumulator 22.

The crop package barrier 50 is pivotable with respect to the body 42between a closed position, and an open position by gate actuator 44(e.g., hydraulic actuators, electrical actuators, and the like). Theclosed position is configured to allow for the formation of a bale 26within the baler 18. For example, the barrier 50 is in the closedposition when the barrier 50 substantially abuts or interfaces with therear aperture 54 of the baler 18. In contrast, the open position isconfigured to permit exiting of the bale 26 from the baler 18. Morespecifically, the completed bale 26 is ejected from the rear aperture 54of the baler 18 in a direction generally opposite the direction oftravel 62. Moreover, the open position of the barrier 50 may vary fordifferent sized bales. In further implementations, the crop packagebarrier 50 may translate or slide between the closed and open positions.In still further implementations, the crop package barrier 50 may be askeleton structure that pivots within the baler 18.

In the illustrated implementation, the baler 18 is a “round” baler,forming substantially cylindrical bales 26, each defining an axis 66therethrough (FIG. 1). Each bale 26 is generally between about 900 lbs.and about 4,000 lbs. having substantially planar side surfaces 70 a, 70b and an annular outer surface 74 extending therebetween. However, inother embodiments, the bale 26 can have other shapes, including withoutlimitation rectangular and square bales that can be received by theaccumulator with an amount of kinetic (e.g., sliding, rolling) energy.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the accumulator 22 is coupled to the rear ofthe baler 18, proximate the crop package barrier 50 and is configured tocollect and store the completed bales 26 ejected therefrom. Theaccumulator 22 includes a frame 78 at least partially forming a storagetrough 82, a shuttle assembly 86, and a damper assembly 90. In theillustrated implementation, the frame 78 of the accumulator 22 iscoupled to and supported by the body 42 and/or a frame of the baler 18,being positioned proximate the crop package barrier 50 and oriented suchthat a bale 26 ejected from the baler 18 will roll or be slid, along itsouter surface 74 and perpendicular its axis 66, into the trough 82.

Referring also to FIG. 3, the trough 82 of the accumulator 22 isconfigured to support one or more bales 26 and forms a central axis 94substantially perpendicular to the direction the bale 26 is ejected(i.e., the insertion direction 98) to form multiple storage bays 102. Inthe illustrated implementation, the accumulator 22 defines three bays102 a, 102 b, 102 c, each sized to at least partially receive a bale 26therein, with the center bay 102 b being substantially aligned with therear aperture 54 of the baler 18 and configured to receive the ejectedbale 26 therein. Stated differently, the center bay 102 b constitutesthe loading zone 170 of the trough 82, which is generally defined as theaxial location in which a bale 26 is introduced into the trough 82. Inalternative implementations, more or fewer bays 102 may be formed,generally being dictated by the overall width of the trough 82. Stillfurther, the width of the trough 82, and therefore the number of bays102, may be adjustable in some implementations.

Viewed perpendicularly to the central axis 94, the cross-section of thetrough 82 is substantially concave in shape, being formed such that atleast a portion of the bale 26 may be positioned within the volume 106of the trough 82 and held in stable equilibrium (FIG. 2). In theillustrated implementation, the trough 82 is generally formed from fourrails 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, each extending generally parallel toone another and the central axis 94 to form an upwardly-openingtrapezoidal shape. With reference also to FIGS. 4-8 d, the rails 110 a,110 b, 110 c, 110 d of the trough 82 generally form a bottom or base 114and two side walls 118 extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom114 to form the volume 106 in which at least a portion of the bale 26 ispositioned during storage. In addition to securing the bale 26 in thetrough 82, the rails 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d also permit the bale 26to slide laterally on its outer surface 74 between the various bays 102a, 102 b, 102 c without damaging the outer surface 74.

In other implementations, the trough 82 may include any number of rails(i.e., 3 rails, 5 rails, and the like), be formed by plates, or includeother structural elements. Still further, the trough 82 may providevarious cross-sectional shapes including a single curved surface (notshown), be “V-shaped” or be substantially planar, so long as the trough82 can support one or more bales 26 thereon.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 7, the shuttle assembly 86 of theaccumulator 22 is coupled to the frame 78 and configured to slide thebales 26 along the four rails 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d between thevarious storage bays 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. The shuttle assembly 86includes a movable paddle 122 positioned at least partially withinvolume 106 of the trough 82, and a drive assembly 126 to drive thepaddle 122 along the central axis 94 of the trough 82. During use, thepaddle 122 engages a respective side surface 70 a, 70 b of the bale 26and slides the bale 26 parallel to its axis 66 to an adjacent storagebay 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. For example, when a bale 26 enters theaccumulator 22 via the insertion direction 98 into the central bay 102b, the paddle 122 engages the side surface 70 a and slides the bale 26into an adjacent bay 102 a. To note, the bale 26 is not being rolledbetween the bays 102, but rather slid along the rails 110 parallel tothe bale axis 66. As a result, the central bay 102 b is now open andable to receive a subsequent bale 26 therein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8 d, the damper assembly 90 of the accumulator 22is configured to dissipate the kinetic energy (e.g., the kinetic energygenerated by rotational and translational movement of the bale, in theillustrated implementation) of the bale 26 as it enters the trough 82,bringing the bale 26 to a quick and controlled stop. The damper assembly90 of the illustrated accumulator 22 includes a base 130 coupled to thetrough 82, an arm or member 134 pivotably coupled to the base 130, andone or more resistance members or dampers 138 extending between andcoupled to both the base 130 and the arm 134.

The base 130 of the damper assembly 90 is coupled to the trough 82 ofthe accumulator 22, and acts as a mounting point for the arm 134 and theone or more resistance members 138. In the illustrated implementation,the base 130 includes a pair of mounting brackets 146 coupled to therail 110 b of the trough 82 via a cross-brace 152, each bracket 146defining a first mounting aperture 150 and a second mounting aperture154 (FIG. 4). When the damper assembly 90 is assembled, the firstmounting aperture 150 is configured to receive a fastener 158therethrough to pivotably couple a respective leg 162 of the arm 134 toa respective bracket 146. Furthermore, the second mounting aperture 154is configured to receive a fastener 158 therethrough to pivotably coupleone end of a respective resistance member 138 to a respective bracket146.

In the illustrated implement, the base 130 of the damper assembly 90 isremovably bolted to the rail 110 b of the trough 82 by a pair of pins156 at least partially received within the cross-brace 152. During use,the pins 156 may be removed by the user to allow the damper assembly 90to be detached from the trough 82 and allow greater access to the trough82, the net roll access panel 160 (described below), and the like. Inalternative implementations, the base 130 may be pivotably coupled tothe trough 82 such that removal of the pins 156 will permit the user topivot the damper assembly 90 into a stowed position to provide greateraccess to the trough 82, the net roll access panel 160, and the like. Inother implementations each individual mounting bracket may be welded orintegrally formed with the trough 82. In still other implementations,mounting points for the arm 134 and the resistance member 138 may beformed directly into the rails 110 of the trough 82.

The arm 134 of the illustrated damper assembly 90 includes a cross-bar142 configured to contact or engage the outer surface 74 of a bale 26,with the aforementioned pair of legs 162 extending from the cross-bar142 to be pivotably coupled to the base 130.

In the illustrated implementation, the cross-bar 142 of the arm 134 issubstantially cylindrical in shape defining a bale contact surface 136(FIG. 4). However, in alternative implementations, the cross-bar 142 ofthe arm 134 may include any shape or surface texture to alter the amountof friction formed between the contact surface 136 of the bar 142 andthe outer surface 74 of the bale 26. For example, the bar 142 mayinclude knurling, ridges, or other textures formed into or on the bar142 to increase the amount of friction formed between the bale 26 andthe bar 142. Still further, the bar 142 may be formed with a square,triangular, or other polygonal cross-section. In still otherimplementations, the cross-bar 142 may be rotationally coupled to thelegs 162, allowing the bar 142 to rotate when coming into contact withthe bale 26. In such an implementation, the friction between the outersurface 74 of the bale 26 and the contact surface 136 of the arm 134 canbe substantially decreased, or nearly eliminated. As such, dissipatingforces against the bale 26 can be limited nearly exclusively to thepivoting of the arm 134 with respect to the base 130. In still furtherimplementations, the rotation of the cross-bar 142 with respect to thelegs 162 may be damped independently of the motion of the legs 162 withrespect to the base 130. In such implementations, the rotationalcharacteristics of the cross-bar 142 may be adjusted so as to minimizeany damage being caused to the outer surface 74 of the bale 26 whilestill providing some supplemental stopping force (i.e., friction) to thebale 26.

Each of the one or more resistance members 138 of the damper assembly 90extends between and is coupled to both the base 130 and the arm 134 toresist movement therebetween. In the illustrated implementation, eachresistance member 138 includes a gas shock; however in alternativeimplementations, the resistance member 138 may include a viscous damper,a hydraulic cylinder, an air spring, a mechanical spring, an electronicactuator, a brake assembly (e.g., a disk or drum brake), and other formsof motion control devices. Furthermore, although the illustratedimplementation includes two resistance members 138 each attached to arespective one of the legs 162 of the arm 134, a single damper or anyother number of dampers may instead be used as necessary to produce thedesired amount of damping force, and can be coupled to the arm 134 or toany other location of the cross-bar 142. Although not shown, eachresistance member 138 may also be adjustable, either manually orautomatically, to accommodate bales 26 of different sizes, differentbale movement speeds, and bale weights. More specifically, a largerdamping force may be provided in instances where larger or heavier bales26 are being produced, while, a lower damping force may be provided whensmaller or lighter bales 26 are created. In still other implementations,the resistance member 138 may only resist the motion of the arm 134 in asingle direction, permitting the arm 134 to move unopposed in anopposite direction. Still further, the resistance member 138 may be“locked out” causing the arm 134 to become fixed in place with respectto the base 130. In still other implementations, the resistance member138 may be adjustable between an off configuration (i.e., the resistancemember 138 provides no resistance) and an on configuration (i.e., theresistance member 138 provides resistance). In such implementations,changing the resistance member 138 from the off configuration to the onconfiguration may cause the resistance member 148 to bias the arm 134 tothe first position.

In instances where a gas shock or fluid damper are used, a pin or blockmay be used to limit the length of retraction of the resistance member138 (i.e., how close the first end can retract toward the second end ofthe device). In the illustrated implementation, the resistance member138 is passive in nature, however in alternative implementations theresistance member 138 may be actively controlled by a controller (notshown). In such implementations, the controller may control theresistance member 138 based on one or more inputs such as, but notlimited to, the motion of the bale 26, contact between the bale and thedamper assembly 90, force sensor readings, and the like. Still further,the controller may include one or more pre-programmed algorithms thatautomatically run once a trigger has been activated. For example, theresistance member 138 may cause the arm 134 to retract toward the secondposition at a predetermined rate once the arm 134 comes into contactwith the bale 26. In such implementations, the resistance member 138 mayinclude a hydraulic cylinder driven by a series of hydraulic valves andpumps (not shown), or an electrical actuator or combination of both.

Still further, the resistance member 138 may be in operablecommunication with the baler 18. For example, in some implementationsthe baler 18 may include one or more valves re-directing hydraulic fluidto the resistance member 138 based at least in part on the position ofthe rear door 50 when the resistance member 138 is a hydraulic cylinder.In other implementations, the baler 18 may include electrical leads toprovide electrical power to the resistance member 138 when theresistance member 138 is an electric actuator.

In still other implementations, the damping forces provided by theresistance members 138 may be adjusted by altering the mountinglocations of the resistance member 138 with respect to the arm 134 andbase 130 (see FIG. 15). More specifically, each leg 162 of the arm 134may include a plurality of mounting apertures 140 therein. During use,the user may adjust the damping force provided by the resistance member138 by securing one end of the resistance member 138 to a respective oneof the mounting apertures 140 such as with a pin and the like (notshown). By doing so, the user changes the geometric orientation betweenthe arm 134, base 130 and resistance member 138 such that a singleresistance member 138 will provide different levels of damping forceover the same range of motion between the arm 134 and the base 130. Instill other implementations, apertures may be formed along the length ofthe resistance member 138 (not shown). In still other implementations,one or more of the mounting points may be adjustable on the resistancemember 138, for example, the ends may be threadably coupled to theresistance member 138 so that the relative positions of the two ends ofthe resistance member 138 may be adjusted.

The damper assembly 90 may also include one or more springs 166,extending between and coupled to both the arm 134 and the base 130, orbetween the cross-bar 142 and the base 130. The springs 166 may alsoprovide supplemental damping forces to the resistance members 138 whennecessary. Still further, the spring 166 may also be used to return thedamper assembly 90 to the rest position (described below).

Illustrated in FIG. 12, on implementation of the damper assembly 90includes a pair of hard stops 172 configured to limit the travel of thearm 134 with respect to the base 130. In the illustrated construction,each hard stop 172 includes an elongated body 176 having a first end 180pivotably coupled to the base 130, and a second end 184 opposite thefirst end 180 that is coupled to the arm 134. In particular, the secondend 184 of the body 176 includes an elongated slot 188 coupled to thearm 134 by a pin 192. During use, the pin 192 travels along the lengthof the slot 188 as the arm 134 pivots with respect to the base 130restricting the pivoting of the arm 134 each time the pin 192 reaches anend of the slot 188. More specifically, each end of the slot 188substantially corresponds with the first position and the secondposition of the arm 134 (described below). As such, the hard stops 172may be used to set and adjust the first position and the second positionof the arm 134 during operation. In one implementation, the slot 188 issized such that the cross-bar 142 cannot pass beyond alignment with rail110 a of the trough 82. As such, the cross-bar 142 creates a shingleeffect with the rail 110 a to ensure that the bale 26 slides smoothlyalong the length of the trough 82 when the shuttle assembly 86 slidesthe bale 26 from the central bay 102 b to one of the adjacent bays 102a, 102 c. In alternative implementations, the hard stop 172 may beintegrally formed with the resistance member 138. In still otherimplementations, the hard stop 172 may be adjustable so that the usermay adjust the travel limits of the arm 134.

In still other implementations, the hard stops 172 and the mountinglocations of the resistance members 138 may be adjusted in combinationto provide still further variations and adjustability to the dampingforces applied by the damping assembly 90 to the bale. Morespecifically, the hard stops 172 and the mounting locations of theresistance member 138 may be adjusted to “pre-load” the springs 166 orthe resistance member 138 by setting the first position of the hard stop172 at a location different than the natural resting point of theresistance member 138.

During operation, the arm 134 and the cross-bar 142 of the damperassembly 90 pivots with respect to the trough 82, or more broadly withrespect to the frame 78 of the accumulator 22. In the illustratedimplementation by way of example, the arm 134 of the damper assembly 90pivots between a first or rest position (FIGS. 4-5), where the cross-bar142 of the arm 134 is not aligned with the side wall 118 of the trough82, and a second or engaged position (FIGS. 6-7), where the cross-bar142 of the arm 134 is substantially aligned with and positioned slightlyabove the side wall 118 of the trough 82. More specifically, the arm 134is biased toward the first position by the springs 166 and is configuredto engage the bale 26 as it enters the trough 82 via the loading zone170 and in the insertion direction 98. Once engaged by the bale 26, theresistance members 138 are configured to resist motion of the arm 134with respect to the base 130, thereby providing a damping force againstthe motion of the bale 26. In the illustrated implementation, the arm134 generally forms an angle between approximately 10 degrees andapproximately 80 degrees with respect to the bottom 114 of the trough 82when in the first position. In other implementations, the arm 134generally forms an angle between approximately 30 and 50 degrees withrespect to the bottom 114 of the trough 82 when in the first position.In still other implementations, the arm 134 forms an angle ofapproximately 45 degrees angle with respect to bottom 114 of the trough82 when in the first position. In still other implementations, the arm134 generally forms an angle of 85 degrees with respect to the bottom114 of the trough 82. Stated differently, the cross-bar 142 of the arm134 is positioned between approximately 1 foot and approximately 3 feetabove the bottom 114 of the trough 82 when the arm 134 is in the firstposition.

While the arm 134 of the illustrated implementation is pivotably coupledto the frame 78 for rotational movement with respect thereto; inalternative implementations, the arm 134 may be mounted in ways thatallow for alternative forms of motion during use. In someimplementations, the arm 134 may be mounted for linear motion withrespect to the frame 78 (e.g., mounted on rails, further describedbelow). In still other implementations, the arm 134 may be mounted tothe frame 78 such that is moves in a combination of linear andcurvilinear motions (e.g., mounted with a four-bar linkage, move alongcurvilinear slots, and the like, not shown).

In still other implementations, the arm of the damper assembly 90 mayinclude a pair of arms 134 a, 134 b pivoting about an axis extendingsubstantially normal to the base 114 of the trough 82 (see FIGS. 16a,16b ). In such implementations, each arm 134 a, 134 b may beindependently rotatable with respect to the trough 82 and include adedicated damper (not shown). In still other implementations, themovement of the arms 134 a, 134 b may be related by linkages, gears, andthe like (not shown). In still other implementations, the damperassembly 90 may include only a single arm 134 rotating about an axisextending substantially normal to the base 114 (see FIG. 16c ).

The illustrated damper assembly 90 is generally axially aligned with thelocation in which the bale 26 is to be introduced into the device (e.g.,the loading zone 170) such that when the bale 26 is introduced via theinsertion direction 98, the bale 26 will come into contact with thedamper assembly 90 as it rolls into position within the trough 82 (FIG.3). In the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly 90 ispositioned within the center storage bay 102 b of the trough 82. Assuch, when the accumulator 22 is installed on the baler 18, a bale 26exiting the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18 will contact the damperassembly 90 as it rolls into the position within the trough 82.

To load a bale onto the accumulator 22, the user first introduces a bale26 into the loading zone 170 of the trough 82 in the insertion direction98. While being loaded, the bale 26 is oriented such that the bale'saxis 66 is substantially parallel to the central axis 94 of theaccumulator so that the bale 26 will rotate or roll about its outersurface 74 toward the trough 82 in the insertion direction 98. In theillustrated implementation, the bale 26 is introduced into the trough 82in the insertion direction 98 by exiting the rear aperture 54 of thebaler 18; however in alternative constructions, the bale 26 may beintroduced into the accumulator by any form of loading device known inthe art. The bale 26 then rolls toward the volume 106 of the trough 82(FIG. 8a ). As the bale 26 begins to enter the trough 82, the bale 26has an initial value of kinetic energy.

After entering the volume 106, the bale 26 continues to travel in theinsertion direction 98 until the outer surface 74 of the bale 26 comesinto contact with the cross-bar 142 of the arm 134 (FIG. 8b ). Once incontact, the frictional force created between the cross-bar 142 and theouter surface 74 of the bale 26 creates a torque, acting against therotation of the bale 26 about the bale's axis 66—thereby dissipating atleast a portion of the bale's rotational energy. As the contact forcebetween the cross-bar 142 and the bale 26 increases, the frictionalforce and torque acting against the rotation of the bale 26 alsoincreases. In alternative implementations where a rotationally mountedor low-friction cross-bar 142 is utilized, little to no rotationalenergy may be dissipated at this initial phase.

As the bale 26 continues to travel into the volume 106 of the trough 82,the bale 26 begins to bias the arm 134 from the first position towardthe second position. As the arm 134 rotates with respect to the base130, the one or more resistance members 138 provide resisting forces tothe arm 134, which are in turn applied through the arm 134 to the bale26 itself. (FIG. 8c ) These forces act to dissipate at least a portionof both the kinetic and rotational energies of the bale 26.

As the arm 134 approaches the second position, the kinetic energy of thebale 26 is almost completely dissipated, such that once the bale 26reaches its rest position (FIG. 8d ), very little to no recoiloscillations occur. With the bale 26 resting in the trough 82, it isready to be subsequently processed (i.e., moved axially to an adjacentcell 102 a, 102 c by the shuttle assembly 86; described above).

By utilizing resistance members 138 to controllably decelerate the bale26 as it enters the trough 82, the damper assembly 90 is able toincrease the speed at which the bale 26 can be loaded withoutsacrificing the time the bale 26 takes to come to rest (i.e., recoiloscillations) or requiring a reinforced frame to accommodate increasedforces. As described, during operation of the device 22, damper assembly90 may dissipate the kinetic energy of the bale 26 in any combination oftwo primary ways: first, the frictional force of the outer surface 74 ofthe bale 26 contacting the cross-bar 142 produces a torque actingcounter to the rotational motion of the bale 26 (FIG. 8b ); and second,the resistance member 138 resists the pivoting motion of the arm 134 andcreates a dissipating, resistive force against the motion of the bale 26itself (FIG. 8c ). Together, these two forces dissipate the energy ofthe bale 26 quickly and in a controlled manner so as to damp the motionof the bale 26 within the trough 82.

In alternative implementations, the damper assembly 90 may also beutilized as a step to provide easier access to the trough 82 and baler18. To utilize the damper assembly 90 as a step, the user firstdisengages the resistance members 138 by decoupling one end of theresistance members 138 from either the arm 134 or the base 130. The usermay then pivot the arm 134 into the step position (see FIG. 13). Once inposition, the user may lock the arm 134 in place with a lockingmechanism (not shown), utilizing the cross-bar 142 as the step surface.In alternative implementations, the resistance members 138 may remaincoupled to both the arm 134 and the base 130. In still otherimplementations

Illustrated in FIG. 14, the damper assembly 90 may also be utilized whenthe accumulator 22 is in a pass-through mode of operation. Morespecifically, during the pass-through mode of operation, the trough 82of the accumulator 22 is positioned at an angle with respect tohorizontal (see FIG. 14) such that the trough 82 acts as an inclinedramp causing any bale 26 being ejected from the baler 18 to roll underthe force of gravity across the bottom 114 of the trough and onto thesupport surface 38. The damper assembly 90 is configured such that, evenwith the trough 82 in the angled orientation, the damper assembly 90remains in the necessary position to damp the motion of the bale 26 asit rolls across the bottom 114 of the trough 82 and onto the supportsurface 38. As such, the damper assembly 90 reduces the speed at whichthe bale 26 exits the trough 82 and reduces the distance the bale 26will roll along the support surface 38.

While the present implementation of the bale storage system is discussedwith regards to round bales, it is to be recognized that the dampingsystem 90 may also be utilized with regards to the control and handlingof rectangular bales as well.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative implementation of a bale collectionsystem 10′. The bale collection system 10′ includes a bale trailer 200′,as is well known in the art, having a damping system 90′ according tothe present disclosure installed thereon. Similar to the accumulator 22,the trailer 200′ defines a trough 82′ into which one or more round bales26 can be positioned and stored. The trailer 200′ also includes aloading assembly 202′ configured to collect and introduce a bale 26 intothe trough 82′. In the illustrated implementation, the loading assembly202′ includes a loading arm 204′ that grasps a bale 26 from the ground38′ and introduces it, via the load zone 170′ and in the introductiondirection 98′ into the trough 82′. In still other implementations, theloading assembly 202′ may be configured to collect a bale 26 from aseparate baler (not illustrated). Similar to that described above, thetrailer 200′ includes a damping system 90′ axially aligned with theloading zone 170′ and positioned opposite the introduction direction98′. The damping system 90′ of the trailer 200′ acts in substantiallythe same manner as that utilized in the accumulator 22, dissipating thekinetic energy of the bale 26 as it rolls into the trough 82′ forsubsequent processing.

The loading assembly 202′ of the illustrated implementation loads thebales 26 proximate the front 212′ of the trailer 200′. In alternativeimplementations, the loading assembly 202′ may move along the length ofthe trough 82′ to load bales 26 next to one another. In suchimplementations, the damping system 90′ is configured to move togetherwith the load assembly 202′ so that the damping system 90′ remainsaxially aligned with the loading zone 170′, regardless of its positionrelative to the trough 82′.

FIGS. 10a -11 illustrate yet another alternative implementation of thebale collection system 10″. The bale collection system 10″ includes adouble bale trailer 200″, as is well known in the art, having a dampingsystem 90″ accordingly to the present disclosure installed thereon. Thedouble trailer 200″ includes a pair of troughs 82 a″, 82 b″ eachextending substantially parallel to one another and spaced a distanceapart. The double trailer 22″ also includes a pair of loading assemblies202 a″, 202 b″, each corresponding to a respective one of the troughs 82a″, 82 b″ (FIG. 11). The double trailer 200″ also includes a dampingsystem 90″ operating substantially similarly to the damping system 90described above. The primary difference between the damping system 90″and the damping system 90 is that the single arm 134″ is able to rotatein both directions (A and B) to accommodate a bale 26 loaded from eitherloading assembly 202 a″, 202 b″. More specifically, the arm 134″ willrotate in a first direction A (while applying damping forces to the bale26) away from the first loading assembly 202 a″ to accommodate a bale 26loaded in the first direction 98 a″, while the arm 134″ will rotate in asecond direction B (while applying damping force to the bale 26) awayfrom the second loading assembly 202 b″ to accommodate a bale 26 loadedin the second direction 98 b″ In such a implementation, the arm 134″ mayinclude two pairs of dampers (not shown), each of which apply thenecessary damping forces when the arm 134″ moves in a particulardirection. Furthermore, the arm 134″ may include a single set of dampers(not shown) that is biased toward a neutral position, having availabletravel in both directions so as to compensate and apply damping forceswhether the arm 134″ travels in either direction. In still otherimplementations, the arm 134″ may include two arms (not shown), eachpositioned to accommodate a bale 26 loaded from a respective loadingassembly 202 a″, 202 b″.

FIG. 17 illustrates yet another alternative implementation of the balecollection system 10′″. The bale collection system 10″′ includes adamper assembly 90′″ that is coupled to the crop package barrier 50 ofthe baler 18. In such an implementation, after a bale 26 has beenformed, the crop package barrier 50 opens to allow the bale 26 to beejected toward the accumulator 22. With the crop package barrier 50opened, the damper assembly 90′″ is positioned such that it contacts thebale 26 as it exits the baler 18, causing it to pivot in a firstdirection (A). As described above, the motion of the arm 134′″ isresisted by the damper 138′″, which absorbs at least a portion of thekinetic energy of the bale 26. As shown in FIG. 17, the damper assembly90′″ may be coupled to the crop package barrier 50 opposite the pivotjoint so that the arm 134′″ is in position to contact the bale 26 whenthe crop package barrier 50 is in an open position and the bale 26 exitsthe rear aperture 54 of the baler 18.

FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate yet another alternative implementation of thebale collection system 10″″. The bale collection system 10″″ includes atrough 82″″ defining a storage bay sized to support at least a portionof a bale therein. The trough 82″″ is movably mounted to the baler 18and adjustable with respect to the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18between a first position, where the trough 82″″ is at rest and no baleis positioned within the storage bay, and a second position, where atleast a portion of a bale 26 is positioned within the storage bay of thetrough 82″″ and approximately all the kinetic energy of the bale hasbeen dissipated. The bale collection system 10″″ also includes aresistance member 138″″ that is operably coupled to the trough 82″″ andat least partially controls the motion of the trough 82″″ as it movesbetween the first and second positions, as described above. In otherimplementations, the resistance member 138″″ damps the motion of thetrough 82″″ between the first and second positions.

As shown in FIG. 18A, in one implementation the trough 82″″ is movabletranslationally between the first position, where the trough 82″″ is afirst distance from the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18, and a secondposition, where the trough 82″″ is positioned a second distance, greaterthan the first distance, from the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18. Insome implementations, the trough 82″″ may move linearly with respect tothe baler 18, in a path that is substantially parallel to the supportsurface. In still other implementations, the trough 82″″ may move withrespect to the baler 18 along a curvilinear path, along rails, or via afour-bar linkage. In still other implementations, the movement of thetrough 82″″ may be a combination of both translational and rotationalmovement. During use, the motion of trough 82″″ with respect to thebaler 18 and the damping force provided by the resistance member 138″″causes the trough 82″″ to dissipate at least a portion of the kineticenergy of the bale 26 as it exits the rear aperture 54.

As shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, in still other implementations the balecollection system 10″″ may rotate between the first position and thesecond position about an axis of rotation 306 that is substantiallyparallel with the axis 94″″ of the trough 82″″. More specifically, thetrough 82″″ may rotate between a first position (FIG. 18B), where thetrough 82″″ forms a first trough angle 307 a, and a second position(FIG. 18C), where the trough forms a second angle 307 b that isdifferent than first angle 307 a. For the purposes of this application,the trough angle 307 is defined as the angle of a first ray extendingsubstantially normal to the bottom surface of the trough 82″″ and asecond ray extending from the origin of the first ray and toward thefront of the baler 18 substantially parallel to the baler's longitudinalaxis.

In the illustrated implementation, the trough 82″″ is angled toward therear aperture 54 in the first position (i.e., the trough angle 307 a isless than 90 degrees) and rotates away from the rear aperture 54 towardthe second position (i.e., the trough angle 307 increases). Furthermore,the trough angle 307 b is approximately 90 degrees when the trough 82″″is in the second position. During use, the rotational motion of thetrough 82″″ with respect to the baler 18 and the damping force providedby the resistance member 138″″ causes the trough 82″″ to dissipate atleast a portion of the kinetic energy of the bale 26 as it exits therear aperture 54.

In still other implementations, the trough 82″″ may pivot with respectto the baler 18 between a first position, where the trough 82″″ isangled to and open toward the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18, andsecond position, where the trough 82″″ is substantially parallel to thesupport surface to help absorb at least a portion of the rotationalmotion of the bale 26. In still other implementations, the trough 82″″may also be pivoted away from the rear aperture 54 beyond the secondposition (e.g., the trough angle 307 is greater than 90 degrees) into athird position (see FIG. 14) to allow any bales stored on the trough82″″ to be positioned on the support surface 38.

FIGS. 19a and 19b illustrate yet another alternative implementation ofthe bale collection system 10′″″. The bale collection system 10′″″includes a trough 82′″″ that has a first portion 300′″″, and a secondportion 304′″″ that is movable with respect to the first portion 300′″″.In the illustrated implementation, the first and second portions 300′″″,304′″″ of the tough 82′″″ include substantially the same cross-sectionalshape as described above. During use, the second portion 304′″″ of thetrough 82′″″ is movable with respect to the first portion 300′″″ betweena first position, where the first portion 300′″″ is not aligned with thesecond portion 304′″″ (see FIG. 19a ), and a second position, where thefirst portion 300′″″ is substantially aligned with the second portion304′″″ (FIG. 19b ). The bale collection system 10′″″ also includes aresistance member (not shown) in operable communication with the secondportion 304′″″ and configured to at least partially control the motionof the second portion 304′″″. In other implementations, the resistancemember provides a damping force against the motion of the second portion304′″″. The second portion 304′″″ of the tough 82′″″ is biased towardand rests in the first position.

During use, the user first introduces a bale 26 into the second portion304′″″ of the trough 82′″″. While being loaded, the bale 26 is orientedsuch that the bale 26 will rotate or roll about its outer surface 74into the second portion 304′″″. In the illustrated implementation, thebale 26 is introduced into the trough 82′″″ after exiting the rearaperture 54 of the baler 18; however in alternative constructions, thebale 26 may be introduced into the accumulator by any form of loadingdevice known in the art. The bale 26 then rolls into the second portion304′″″ of the trough 82′″″. As the bale 26 enters the trough 82′″″, thebale 26 has an initial value of kinetic energy.

Once the bale 26 is positioned within the second portion 304′″″ of thetrough 82′″″, the momentum of the bale 26 causes the second portion304′″″ to begin to move with respect to the baler 18, either linearly orrotationally, from the first position and toward the second position.This motion, coupled with the resistive force provided by the resistancemember 138′″″, helps dissipate at least a portion of the bale's kineticenergy.

The bale 26 and second portion 304′″″ continue to travel until thesecond portion 304′″″ enters the second position and is generallyaligned with the first portion 300′″″ of the trough 82′″″. At thispoint, the kinetic energy of the bale 26 has been dissipated and thebale 26 is substantially stationary. With the bale 26 at rest and thesecond portion 304′″″ aligned with the first portion 300′″″ of thetrough 82′″″, the bale 26 may then be processed as described above. Morespecifically, with the first portion 300′″″ generally aligned with thesecond portion 304′″″ the two portions become “shingled” allowing thebale to be transitioned axially along the axial length of the troughwithout damaging the bale 26 or its wrapping material.

While the illustrated implementation includes a first portion 300′″″that is fixed relative to the rear aperture 54 of the bale 18, inalternative implementations the first portion 300′″″ may also be movablewith respect to the rear aperture 54 either independently from ortogether with the second portion 304′″″.

FIG. 20 illustrates yet another alternative implementation of the balecollection system 600. The bale collection system 600 includes a frame604, a trough 608 coupled to the frame 604 and defining at least onestorage bay sized to receive at least a portion of a bale 26 therein,and a multi-arm damper assembly 610 movable with respect to the trough608. In the illustrated implementation, the damper assembly 610 includesa first member 614 movable with respect to the trough 608, and a secondmember 618 spaced a distance from the first member 614 and movable withrespect to the trough 608. During use, the collection system 600 isconfigured to use both members 614, 618 to transfer a bale 26 from thebaler 18 (i.e., the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18) to the storage baydefined by the trough 608. More specifically, the first member 614 andthe second member 618 operate together to at least partially control themotion of the bale 26 as it moves between the baler 18 and the trough608.

The first member 614 of the damper assembly 610 is pivotably coupled tothe trough 608 at a first pivot point 626 positioned opposite thelocation where the bale 26 is introduced into the trough 608. The firstmember 614 includes a first end 630, configured to contact the bale 26as it is introduced into the storage bay of the trough 608, and a secondend 634 opposite the first end 630. While FIG. 20 illustrates the firstmember 614 being coupled to the trough 608, in alternativeimplementations the first member 614 may be coupled to the door 50 ofthe baler 18 (see FIG. 17, described above), the perimeter of the rearaperture 54 of the baler 18 or any other location where the first end630 of the first member 614 is able to contact the bale 26 as it movesbetween the baler 18 and the storage bay. During use, the first member614 is generally configured to contact the bale 26 as it enters thestorage bay providing a resisting force against its rotation. Similar tothe arm 138 described above, such a force may be used to dissipate thekinetic energy of the bale 26. Once the bale 26 is in its final restposition within the storage bay of the trough 608, the first member 614is configured to restrict movement of the bale 26 (e.g., rotation aboutthe bale axis 66) in a first direction.

The second member 618 of the damper assembly 610 is pivotably coupled tothe frame 604 at a second pivot point 638 positioned between the trough608 and the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18. The second member 618includes a first end 642 configured to contact the bale 26, and a secondend 646 opposite the first end 642. During use, the second member 618 isgenerally configured to contact the bale 26 and bias the bale 26 awayfrom the rear aperture 54 of the baler 18 and toward the storage bay ofthe trough 608 while also restricting any motion back toward the rearaperture 54. Once the bale 26 is in its final rest position within thestorage bay, the second member 618 is configured to restrict movement ofthe bale 26 (e.g., rotation about the bale axis 66) in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction.

The damper assembly 610 also includes a linkage member 622 coupled toand extending between both the first member 614 and the second member618. In the illustrated implementation, the linkage member 622 is asubstantially rigid rod configured to transmit motion and forces betweenthe first member 614 and the second member 618 causing the motion of thetwo members 614, 618 to be interdependent. In alternativeimplementations, the linkage member 622 may include a spring, hydrauliccylinder, electric actuator, fluid damper, and the like allowing theuser to vary the relative position of the first member 614 with respectto the second member 618 or to introduce elasticity into the assembly610. In still other implementations, no linkage member 622 may bepresent and each member 614, 618 may be independently driven by one ormore actuators (described below). In such implementations, the movementof the members 614, 618 may still be coordinated to control the movementof the bale 26 as desired.

The damper assembly 610 may also include an actuator 650 coupled to oneof the first or second members 614, 618 and configured to control themotion of the system 600 between the first and second configurations(described below). During use, the motion of the first and secondmembers 614, 618 may be at least partially determined based on one ormore inputs received by one or more controllers (not shown). Such inputsmy include, but are not limited to, the location and movement of thebale 26, elements coming into contact with the bale 26, and the like.Still further, the motion of the first and second members may include apre-determined algorithm or path that is triggered by an event. In theillustrated implementation, a single actuator 650 directly controls themotion of the first member 614 which in turn dictates the motion of thesecond member 618 via the linkage member 622. In other implementations,each member 614, 618 may have its own actuator (not shown) allowingdirect control of each member's 614, 618 movement independently.

The damper assembly 610 may also include a resistance member (not shown)in addition to or in replacement of the actuator 650. Similar to theresistance members 138 described above, the resistance member isconfigured to dissipate the kinetic energy of the baler 26 as it entersthe trough 608. In still further implementations, the damper assembly610 may not include a resistance member or actuator 650, rather relyingon the layout and design of the members to capture the bale 26 in such away that the bale's kinetic energy is dissipated without damaging thebale 26 or the damper assembly 610.

During use, the damper assembly 610 is adjustable between a firstconfiguration (see position A in FIG. 20), where the damper assembly 610is at rest and awaiting the introduction of a bale 26 into the trough608, and a second configuration (see position C in FIG. 20) where theassembly 610 has transferred the bale 26 into the storage bay of thetrough 608 and secured the bale 26 in place. In the illustratedimplementation, the system 600 is configured to capture or otherwisesecure the bale 26 within the trough 608 by restricting the movement ofthe bale 26 in both rotational directions. Stated differently, when thedamper assembly 610 is in the second configuration, the damper assembly610 is configured to resist the rotation energy of the bale 26 about itsaxis 66 in both directions of rotation. More specifically, the system600 restricts rotation in one direction with the first end 630 of thefirst member 614 and restricts rotation in a second direction with thefirst end 642 of the second member 618.

In still another implementation, the damper assembly 610 may beconfigured such that the first member 614 includes the crop packagebarrier 50 of the baler 18. In such an implementation, the distal end ofthe door 50 (e.g., the end of the crop package barrier 50 opposite thehinge) generally acts as the first end 630 and is configured to contactthe bale 26 as it exits the rear aperture 54 and at least partiallycontrol the movement of the bale 26 as it is transferred between thebaler 18 and the storage bay of the trough 608. In still otherimplementations, the crop package barrier 50 may also include an arm 134pivotably coupled thereto (see FIG. 17) such that the arm 134 acts asthe first end 630.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bale collection system for receiving and storing a bale introduced at a first location and in a first direction, the bale defining an axis therethrough, the bale collection system comprising: a frame defining at least one storage bay sized to store the bale therein; an arm movable between a first position and a second position different than the first position, the arm having a bale contact surface configured to contact a bale at least partially positioned within the storage bay; and a resistance member in operable engagement with the arm and configured to resist the motion of the arm toward the first and second positions.
 2. The bale collection system of claim 1, wherein the arm is coupled to and moveable with respect to the frame.
 3. The bale collection system of claim 1, wherein the frame defines a substantially concave cross-section.
 4. The bale collection system of claim 1, further comprising a shuttle assembly configured to move the bale with respect to the frame.
 5. The bale collection system of claim 1, further comprising a baler, and wherein the frame is coupled to the baler and configured to receive the bale from the baler at the first location and in the first direction.
 6. The bale collection system of claim 1, wherein the arm includes a cross-bar and at least one leg extending generally perpendicular from the cross-bar, and wherein the cross-bar at least partially defines the bale contact surface.
 7. The bale collection system of claim 6, wherein the cross-bar is fixed with respect to the at least one leg.
 8. The bale collection system of claim 1, wherein the arm is coupled to the frame opposite the first location.
 9. The bale collection system of claim 1, wherein the resistance member includes at least one of a gas shock, a viscous damper, a hydraulic cylinder, an electronic actuator, and a brake assembly.
 10. The bale collection system of claim 1, wherein the resistance member is actively controlled by a controller.
 11. The bale collection system of claim 1, wherein the arm moves from the first position toward the second position when the bale contacts the bale contact surface.
 12. A bale collection system for receiving and storing a bale, the collection system comprising: a plurality of rail members defining a trough having a central axis therethrough, the central axis being generally parallel to each rail member of the plurality of rail members; a damping system coupled to at least one of the rail members and configured to engage the bale at least partially received within the trough, the damping system including: an arm movable with respect to the trough in a direction generally perpendicular to the central axis between a first position and a second position, and a resistance member coupled to the arm and configured to resist movement of the arm toward the first position and the second position.
 13. The bale collection system of claim 12, wherein the trough is coupled to a baler having a rear aperture, and wherein the trough is positioned such that the bale ejected from the rear aperture is at least partially received within the trough.
 14. The bale collection system of claim 12, wherein the arm includes a cross-bar configured to engage the bale, and at least one leg extending from the cross-bar.
 15. The bale collection system of claim 12, further comprising a loading assembly configured to collect the bale and introduce the bale into the trough.
 16. The bale collection system of claim 12, wherein the resistance member is adjustable to produce different damping forces.
 17. An accumulator configured for coupling to a baler, the accumulator comprising: a frame defining a storage bay sized to receive at least a portion of a bale from the baler therein; and a damping system including a member coupled to and movable with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position, the member including a bale contact surface, wherein the member is configured to move with respect to the frame upon the introduction of at least a portion of the bale into the storage bay, and a resistance member operatively positioned between the member and the frame, the resistance member configured to resist the movement of the member toward both the first and second positions.
 18. The accumulator of claim 17, wherein the frame includes a plurality of rails extending generally parallel to one another to at least partially define the storage bay.
 19. The accumulator of claim 18, wherein the member is pivotable with respect to the frame about a pivot axis.
 20. The accumulator of claim 19, wherein the frame defines a central axis parallel to the rails, and wherein the pivot axis is generally parallel to the central axis.
 21. The accumulator of claim 17, wherein the resistance member is adjustable to produce different damping forces.
 22. A bale collection system for receiving and storing a bale, the bale collection system comprising: a baler having a rear aperture through which the bale is ejected; a crop package barrier coupled to the baler proximate the rear aperture and movable with respect to the rear aperture between an open position and a closed position; and a dampening system coupled to the crop package barrier and including a member coupled to and movable with respect to the crop package barrier, the member including a bale contact surface, and wherein the member is configured to move with respect to the crop package barrier upon the ejection of a bale from the rear aperture, and a resistance member operatively coupled to the member and configured to resist the movement of the member with respect to the crop package barrier.
 23. The bale collection system of claim 22, wherein the resistance member includes at least one of a gas shock, a viscous damper, a hydraulic cylinder, a spring, and a brake assembly.
 24. The bale collection system of claim 22, wherein the resistance member is adjustable to produce different damping forces or no damping force. 